Hi

I am half way across the US and I can still walk up a flight of stairs at the end of the day.  But I have been too tired to blog.

Here is a quick summary :


Saturday (Day 14) : Dodge City KS-Great Bend KS  85 miles

This was supposed to be a recovery day, but thanks to winter storm Achilles we had 35-40 mph winds coming at us from about 45 degrees.  Normally, you can ride in an echelon of 4 riders and trade pulls to make some headway.  Unfortunately, we were riding on a narrow shoulder bordered by a 12 inch rumble strip, so the rule of the day was single file, therefore minimal drafting.  The temperature started out in the mid 30's, and never broke 50.  The little guys (me) get especially beat up in these conditions, and I struggled to average 15 mph, but we slogged it out Great Bend.  It was a long day (5:45 hrs ride time 7 hrs total). We were rewarded with the worst hotel to date in Great Bend, a real dump.  But after a chocolate milk shake and a few beers at the finest dining establishment in town (Applebee's), all was well.

Sunday (Day 15) : Great Bend KS - Abilene KS  129 miles

We woke up to overcast skies, temperature in the mid- 30's, but light winds.  About 40 miles into the ride, we finally got a break from the flatlands,  we had some nice rolling hills and some interesting farm towns.  But the best part of the day was dinner at a local Abilene eatery,  1/2 fried chicken, and unlimited cole slaw, mashed  potatoes, biscuits and ice cream for $14.99.  Twenty of us were there, it was quite the scene.

Monday (Day 16) : Abilene KS - Topeka KS  109 miles

It's hard to believe you can do 4500 ft of climbing one 109 miles in Kansas.  it was the best scenery since we left New Mexico.  Great ride.

I am exhausted, but I will try to spice it up bit tomorrow.


Tom



Saturday:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/307720436

Sunday:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/308425278

Monday:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/308922859

I hope there is someone named White.